Which energy source is associated with increased manufacturing efficiency in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

Which energy source is associated with increased manufacturing efficiency in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

• A. Oil
• B. Electricity
• C. Coal
• D. Water

Answer: (B)

Electricity drives a major jump in factory productivity because it provides flexible, point-of-use power that changes how machines are run and laid out. Electric motors can be placed directly at each machine, eliminating the need for long, heavy shafting and a single central engine. This reduces energy losses, allows rapid starts and stops, and gives engineers the freedom to arrange equipment in more efficient layouts. The better, brighter lighting that electricity brings also improves safety, accuracy, and the length of workable hours, all of which boost output. Coal and water powered earlier setups through centralized systems, which imposed rigid layouts and more energy loss through mechanical transmission. Oil plays a crucial role in lubrication and later engine technologies, but it isn’t the force behind the broad efficiency gains seen in manufacturing during this period.

Electricity drives a major jump in factory productivity because it provides flexible, point-of-use power that changes how machines are run and laid out. Electric motors can be placed directly at each machine, eliminating the need for long, heavy shafting and a single central engine. This reduces energy losses, allows rapid starts and stops, and gives engineers the freedom to arrange equipment in more efficient layouts. The better, brighter lighting that electricity brings also improves safety, accuracy, and the length of workable hours, all of which boost output.

Coal and water powered earlier setups through centralized systems, which imposed rigid layouts and more energy loss through mechanical transmission. Oil plays a crucial role in lubrication and later engine technologies, but it isn’t the force behind the broad efficiency gains seen in manufacturing during this period.